Junior Rachel Hitt is the newest Tarleton State University student to don the Texan Rider mascot title. Hitt is from Arlington and is majoring in kinesiology.

JTAC: What got you interested in coming to Tarleton after high school?

Rachel Hitt (RH): I’ve actually wanted to come to Tarleton since third grade, which strikes a lot of people as odd. I have family that lives in Gustine and Comanche, so I just grew up always driving back and forth through Stephenville, and I’ve always just wanted to go to Tarleton for as long as I can remember. I think it’s mainly because I love being out in the middle of nowhere and my heart has always been in the middle of nowhere. It just always seemed like the best decision for me. It’s just my home away from home, always has been.

What is your favorite thing about Tarleton?

Tradition, definitely. My favorite tradition is the Homecoming bonfire. My favorite story is the story of last year’s fire tornado we had going on. I also love the fact that we don’t walk on the grass. Everyone always asks me why we don’t walk on it and I’m like, “It’s just what we do.” I love our tradition. It connects everyone here currently and all those previously here. The Tarleton Family is a real thing.

What are your hobbies?

I really enjoy playing basketball, horseback riding, and writing – I love to write.

What do you plan to do with your degree in kinesiology?

My plan is to be a basketball coach at the high school level.

Are you involved in any organizations or clubs on campus?

I am very involved at the Wesley, the Methodist student ministry. I lead a small group, attend the worship – like I’m literally there all the time.

How did you get into horseback riding?

I’ve always loved horses. I didn’t actually start riding until I was nine. There was a stable about half a mile from where we lived, and I just always wanted to start. I remember playing soccer and my mom saying, “Hey, if you don’t pick flowers on the field, we’ll go pet the horses after the game.” I’ve just been riding ever since.

Did you ever rodeo or compete in competitions?

No, I just ride for pleasure.

Tell us about your family.

Oh, my family. They’re great. My mom and dad are the biggest and best support system I could ask for. My older sister is so awesome and so encouraging, too. She is the one I definitely look up to and aim to be like. The Miranda Lambert song “Roots and Wings” describes my family perfectly. They are so incredible.

What was the audition process to become the Texan Rider?

I went to cheer tryouts and had to come up with a two-minute skit. They basically judged me based on my interaction with the crowd, how I reacted in front of a large group of people, and how I worked with the cheerleaders.

If you were to audition for The Voice, what song would you sing?

Right now, it would be “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten.

If you were currently at Hogwarts instead of Tarleton, what would your patronus be?

Probably a horse. Just because they’re so bold and powerful. They’re so majestic, too.

If you could trade lives with anyone, dead or alive, for one day, who would it be?

Taylor Swift or Katy Perry. I just want to rock out at a concert for a day.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Don’t think I’m weird. I want to be able to control people with my smile. Like, “Hey, would you get me a Sonic drink?” and when I smile, they agree to it. I wouldn’t take over the world or anything. Just use it for simple things I don’t want to do myself.

What’s something about you that not a lot of people know?

I can sing the alphabet backwards like really fast without even struggling.

See Hitt in action at this Saturday’s homecoming game, when the Texan football team faces off against Eastern New Mexico University.